- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
One of Bulgaria’s key archaeology museums, housed in a former mosque. Highlights include Thracian, Roman, and medieval artifacts of major national importance.
Cheapest price
$95
Average price
$95
Fastest journey
19 h 20 m
Average duration
19 h 20 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
983 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Salzburg to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Salzburg to Sofia will cost around $95 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $95.
Of the 1 buses that leave Salzburg for Sofia on Sun, May 24, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 24 the direct buses cover the 983 km distance in an average of 19 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 19 h 20 m .
On Sun, May 24 the slowest buses will take 19 h 20 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Salzburg to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $53. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 8m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.0 - 2.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $53, and a flight costs an average of $186.
Distance: 610 miles (983 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$84 Average price Cheapest | $597 Average price | $343 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
20h 6m Average total duration 19h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 8m Average total duration Fastest 3h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.0 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.9 - 5.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Salzburg to Sofia:
A bus is $513 (€415) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Salzburg to Sofia costing on average $597 (€483).
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Bus takes on average 19h 36m.
Tickets start at around $84 (€68) compared to roughly $343 (€278) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $259 (€209). The journey takes 19h 36m versus 12h 28m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International, Union Ivkoni, Karat-S, Infobus, Union Ivkoni.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 18h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 01:30AM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 18h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 06:35AM | Duration 19h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 19h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 19h20 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 25h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 25h10 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $88 |
The table below shows live departures for Salzburg to Sofia buses for today, Saturday, May 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:35 PM Salzburg, P+R Süd | 25h10 | 11:45 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, May 24 | |||||
FlixBus | 1:15 PM Salzburg, P+R Süd | 19h20 | 9:35 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Salzburg to Sofia run on average 2 times per day, taking around 19h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $53 (€43) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 610 miles (983 km) distance in 18h 30m.
Distance 610 miles (983 km) |
Average bus duration 19h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $53 (€43) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 18h 30m |
First bus 1:00 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Sofia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sofia trip today.
One of Bulgaria’s key archaeology museums, housed in a former mosque. Highlights include Thracian, Roman, and medieval artifacts of major national importance.
Bulgaria’s largest museum, covering prehistoric finds, medieval treasures, and modern history. A strong choice for understanding the country beyond Sofia’s city center.
Set in the former Central Mineral Baths building, this museum presents Sofia’s development from Roman Serdica to the modern capital in an elegant historic setting.
Sofia’s main pedestrian boulevard, lined with shops and city life, with memorable views toward Vitosha Mountain. It is the classic central walking area.
Sofia’s best-known park, offering long walks, sports facilities, and a more local side of city life. Excellent for open-air time in the capital.
The mountain rising above Sofia is one of the city’s biggest lifestyle attractions, offering viewpoints, trails, and easy nature access close to the capital.
A classic Bulgarian salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and grated sirene cheese. It is one of the country’s most iconic dishes and a staple at Sofia tables.
A beloved pastry made with thin filo layers, eggs, and white cheese, often eaten for breakfast. It is one of the most traditional everyday foods in Bulgaria.
A cold summer soup of yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnuts. It is especially popular in Sofia during warm weather and is distinctly Bulgarian.
A popular central venue serving refined Bulgarian dishes and local wines in a stylish setting inspired by national traditions.
A highly regarded cozy restaurant with creative seasonal cooking, popular brunches, and a warm home-style ambiance.
A well-known traditional Bulgarian restaurant with rustic décor, folk atmosphere, and a broad menu of classic regional dishes.
Affordable by European capital standards. Meals, coffee, and local transport are good value; central hotels cost more.
About 10% in restaurants if service is good; check if a service charge is added. Round up for taxis. Small tips are appreciated in cafes, bars, salons, and for hotel staff.
Official public transport app
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara -> Serdika, Sofia
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Salzburg to Sofia by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Sofia, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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